South Sudan ministers tells media to stop hate speech
November 6, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese government warned members of the media on Thursday against allowing hate speech through live radio calls and publish articles that would derail the peace agreement.
In press statements at the parliamentary affairs building on Thursday, Information and broadcasting minister Michael Makuei Lueth said that any journalist failing to adhere to the new instruction will shoulder consequences.
“If you (journalists) continue to allow those who use that language we (government) will be on your neck. We have accepted peace, we are for peace and we don’t want anybody to say whatever against the other,” said Makuei.
“It is high time for the media to change its language. I know among you are those who are pro and against the government. As of now let us change the language. If you are the supporter of the government don’t write any other unhealthy language,” he added without reference to specific radio or television programs.
The government and the armed opposition recently finalized outstanding security issues and signed the definitive security arrangements paving the way for the formation of the national unity government.
The remarks are seen as a good development before the start of the transitional period. Media and press outlets reported in the past 20 months accusations, and verbal attacks, and propaganda from government and opposition officials.
Commentators and journalists also followed the move and sought the moblize the partisans of every camp creating unhealthy and hostile environment in the country.
Makuei directed his criticism particularly against independent radio stations that allow listeners to call in during a live programme.
“We don’t want any further hostile propaganda. We don’t want hate speech in the radios. Your programmess that are having direct calls and anybody can talk his nonsense; we don’t want it. Because it is these contacts which you make directly in the air with telephones in your radios that cause us problems,” he stressed.
“We don’t want such programs to continue unless you are sure of the person you are talking to,” he added.
He said the signing of security arrangement means that the peace negotiation is closed and a chapter of implementation, co-existence and unity now begins.
The SSTV aired opposition chief negotiator Taban Deng Gai footage for the first time this week.
(ST)